SENSE OF AGENCY Meaning and
Definition
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Sense of agency refers to the subjective experience or awareness of oneself as the initiator or cause of one's actions, intentions, and thoughts. It is the feeling of being in control and perceiving oneself as an autonomous being capable of making decisions and influencing the world around them.
The sense of agency encompasses two fundamental aspects: action initiation and outcome ownership. Action initiation refers to the feeling of voluntary control over one's actions and the ability to consciously start and stop them. It involves the perception that one's actions are intentional and not caused by external factors. On the other hand, outcome ownership pertains to the belief that one's actions or efforts lead to a specific result or consequence. It involves feeling responsible for the consequences of one's actions, either positive or negative.
The sense of agency is crucial for our sense of self and allows us to navigate our environment and interact with others effectively. It provides a powerful motivational tool, as individuals with a strong sense of agency are more likely to take initiative, set goals, and persist in difficult tasks. This feeling of control over our actions and their outcomes contributes to a sense of competence and empowerment.
Research on the sense of agency has been conducted in various fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy. Understanding the mechanisms and factors that influence our sense of agency is vital for comprehending human behavior, decision-making processes, and aspects of mental health such as self-esteem and motivation.
